Gransnet forums

Style & beauty

Way outside my comfort zone

(27 Posts)
suzieq Wed 17-Feb-16 21:34:51

I work as a bid writer for a small charity, with the odd bit of community fundraising thrown in. We've had an amazing offer from a grant-making organisation to go along to their fundraising golf day at a very swanky club in the summer, to talk about our charity as an example of one which has received a grant.
The issue is that I am tall, so off the peg clothes don't fit, I'm over 60 so need something to cover up, the dinner is black tie with a James Bond theme and I'm generally found in jeans and sweater! This is so totally outside my experience in terms of fashion and social circle.
With all the troubles the world is facing, this ranks as a very trivial issue but I'd welcome any thoughts.
Miss Moneypenny, perhaps, or even M except that I need to come across as open and friendly.

Purpledaffodil Thu 18-Feb-16 21:56:42

Have you thought of looking at Next and New Look both online? They both do tall ranges which are not in the shops. Although tall, I have mixed feelings about LTS which can be pricey for the quality. Also M and S online have tall ranges as you probably know already. Good luck and enjoy!

Tessa101 Thu 18-Feb-16 19:55:13

You could go for the help of a personal shopper at one of the department stores. (John Lewis) My daughter is going to be using one for a big event she's going to in June. They are free,and you get an hour with them,you tell them about any bits you want to hide etc and with there expertise they will select cloths for you to try. Also you are not obliged to purchase the items, but it gives you a great insight into what suits you etc. good luck and enjoy the event

Cherrytree59 Thu 18-Feb-16 19:16:23

How about a ladies version of the formal dinner suit.
I've got a black one with satin lapels and with 3 covered buttons on the cuff.
Can be worn with blouse or cami.
Very james bond!
Bling it up with shoes and maybe statement necklace

WilmaKnickersfit Thu 18-Feb-16 19:13:13

How exciting! I would definitely ask a few more questions. A James Bond theme might not mean dressing like a character from the films.

What about making up your own Bond Girl name? Then you don't have to worry about the theme and just focus on finding something wonderful to wear. I think there's a formula for choosing your Bond Girl name. It's something like the name you gave your lady bits when you were a child and your grandmother's maiden name. So it might be something like Fanny Sparkes or just make it up! grin

Find a long cigarette holder on eBay and glam it up!

Keep us posted! wink

Neversaydie Thu 18-Feb-16 18:23:28

I'd go for a trousers and tuxedo combination with lovely colourful top .if you are also slim?

Jalima Thu 18-Feb-16 16:11:18

Do you have to play golf too? that requires a certain dress code I believe!

Jalima Thu 18-Feb-16 16:08:35

Oh to be tall!! suzie

I would think that soft trousers and a floaty or sparkly top would be suitable, especially if you would not wear a dress again.

PPP there are a few grans who go cruising - one in particular never goes without her pearls grin
I bought a chiffon short dress and bolero (I don't really like dresses but thought I should have one!), a matching top and skirt, plus black evening trousers and a long black skirt for a cruise we went on last year. The trousers could be dressed up or down (as can a black skirt) and the top and skirt could be mixed and matched too with evening tops or less formal blouses/tops.
It was not as posh as the Queen Victoria though (it was P&O).

PPP Thu 18-Feb-16 15:50:26

I am very tall too, so charity shops tend not to have things which fit. Jaeger Outlet stores are quite good. I got a lace dress from there recently.
I am going on my first cruise soon - Queen Victoria - how posh are the formal evenings? I don't really want to get lots of long frocks I will never wear again. Any gran with experience?

Teetime Thu 18-Feb-16 15:20:34

My experience of golf club 'do's' is that various forms of female dress are worn including evening trousers and sparkly tops- some folk get the same old frock out year after year. The young ones tend to go cocktail length. I favour the maxi usually from Monsoon or Phase Eight. Don't worry to much about formality they are usually jolly dos - golfers laugh and drink a lot off the course - you should have a great time.

suzieq Thu 18-Feb-16 14:24:56

Many useful tips, thanks fellow Grans.
Particularly about making sure we don't look too well paid. I would certainly be happier in some sort of trouser/top creation and can ask the organiser if it would be suitable. She's very approachable. And I'll keep an eye on LTS who will bring out their summer range later. Could even dust off the sewing machine although I'm a lapsed dressmaker with no training.

EmilyHarburn Thu 18-Feb-16 12:21:46

Sorry. I have jus realised you were thinking of dressing like Miss Money Penny - Lois Maxwell & Judy Dench. Seems like a good idea

Lots of pictures on the internet.

www.google.co.uk/search?q=Dress+like+Miss+Moneypenny+(Lois+Maxwell)&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiCr53ppYHLAhUHNhoKHV7lDNAQ7AkIKw&biw=1680&bih=935

Good luck

EmilyHarburn Thu 18-Feb-16 12:13:15

Good idea to get a personal shopper and see what she suggests even if you don't buy and out fit. Also good to consider 2 outfits if you are there for the whole day and evening. I note the dinner is a James Bond theme. Quite interesting to look on Google see what James Bonds Girls wear.

www.jamesbondwiki.com/page/Bond+Girls+Evening+Gowns

As a contributor said you do not want to look too wealthy.

The Daily Mail even has an article on Bond girl Outfits

www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3284481/Dressed-kill-Honey-Ryder-s-white-bikini-Pussy-Galore-s-sharp-tailoring-Vesper-Lynd-s-dramatic-ball-gowns-77-iconic-Bond-Girl-outfits-time-revealed.html

I don't think this one has much t offer on how to dress like a bond girl leading lady

www.sparqvault.com/2012/11/11/bond-girl-glamhow-to-dress-like-james-bonds-leading-ladies/#.VsW0Q7SLS9I

Good luck

GrannyRose Thu 18-Feb-16 11:38:16

If I were representing a cash-strapped charity at this swanky do, I'd be wary of giving the impression that the charity had financed your posh outfit, particularly if you're mingling with the "expenses" culture. Maybe a gentle but sincere remark about shopping, at eg Oxfam would go down well...... Congratulations on being invited and I hope you have a fabulous time, whatever you choose to wear.

Nananolife Thu 18-Feb-16 11:33:23

I mean as annifrance suggests.

Nananolife Thu 18-Feb-16 11:32:25

Perfect, that's how I dress. xxx

Irenelily Thu 18-Feb-16 11:12:33

How exciting! What struck me was are you expected to be there during the day, and watching the golf? Or is it just a luncheon or evening meal? I've been to a few Classic Golf days and you won't want to be walking round watching golf in long and floaty!! Sounds as though you are an important visitor, so maybe there would be somewhere to change in the clubhouse. I should ask for some more info - then you can maybe have fun looking for TWO outfits! Enjoy!

Maywalk Thu 18-Feb-16 11:10:39

Why not look on the Long Tall Sally website?
Or put into the Google box "Dresses for tall ladies in UK"
Its surprising how many places there are to browse.
I am just the opposite, only 4ft 10 ins now since old age has crept up on me and shrinking fast. LOL I used to be 5ft 2in when younger.
Good Luck.

Synonymous Thu 18-Feb-16 11:00:03

You have something really lovely to look forward to suzieq and a good while to get an outfit sorted too.
If you are worried about what to wear you could make an appointment with a personal shopper at somewhere like John Lewis and really pick their brains. If you find something then that would be great but you will certainly pick up on what to look for, what suits you and the best style and colour for you personally. The best thing of all is that you can take your time and enjoy the process. smile

jenwren Thu 18-Feb-16 10:47:05

Yep TX Maxx. I bourht a Jaguar winter coat for £40.00. It had a RRP of £300. Reduced to £120.00. Then reduced again to £40.00. I actually had it for £20.00 because my friend had given me a £20.00 gift voucher for christmas. It is a smart navy single breasted coat and looks great dressed up or down with jeans.

annifrance Thu 18-Feb-16 10:14:55

Decide on your style and then go looking. Personally I always have black trousers of various seasonal weights in the wardrobe which can be teamed with a lovely silky top. Jewellry can dress up or down. Gold however small raises the game. Or a long silky dress for summer. I have one that has done me for years for weddings, barbecues, parties etc.

I tend towards the classical cut so it doesn't date, and you can add a 'trendy' bit to it. Some of my lovely posh frocks from the past life of Cannes Film Festival, Ascot, golf clubs are donkeys years old and still going strong.

Very little 'posh' social life around here - bit of a relief really, but if one comes along I can always drag an old friend out for an airing.

Good ideas from other threads according to budget for sourcing items. I make most of mine but then I am a trained couturiere. Do you have a sewing friend that could run you up something?

But above all enjoy the day - it's a treat for hard work. Lucky you being tall, but I know the problems - my daughter is 6ft, don't know how I managed that being 5'2"!!

Funnygran Thu 18-Feb-16 09:49:05

I have a friend who gets amazing bargains in TK Maxx. She often appears in really 'dressy' dresses and says it was another one from them. I never seem to be as lucky but if you have a branch near you it's probably worth looking in now and again since you have a few months to prepare your outfit. It sounds like a lovely day ahead.

petitpois Thu 18-Feb-16 08:35:17

Long Tall Sally has some lovely things and you can order online and return if you don't like what they send. There are some lovely dresses here. But if you'd prefer a trousers and chiffon top type thing I'm sure you could find something.

Boden is another good bet. There dresses are always a bit longer than usual so are decent to wear for us tall folk. Look out for offers, they always have them on.

Enjoy the 'do'! And congratulations.

Imperfect27 Thu 18-Feb-16 07:07:32

As a lover of charity shops I would recommend having a hunt locally. My wardrobe contains some very lovely dresses bought new, but only worn once or twice, but also some bought for around £10 at charity shops. If you are unlikely to get much wear from your outfit maybe it is worth looking for a bargain as you have plenty of time before the event. Then again - sometimes just so lovely to treat yourself for a special event.
I would be thinking floor length dress, drapey, blue and shimmering ... smile. Have fun!

suzieq Thu 18-Feb-16 06:31:18

You're quite right on every point, Grannyknot

Still a bit daunted!

Grannyknot Wed 17-Feb-16 22:10:29

suzieq that sounds like a real treat and something to look forward to. Quite an occasion smile

Well done you as bid writer!

As the "do" is not till Summer, you'll have time to find something. Look on eBay, or I'm sure,someone will come along with ideas on where to find something to wear.

I wish I was tall, lucky you!